Bay City State Theatre's Taste & Theatrics 'stuck in the 80s' for annual fundraiser

The State Theatre's Taste & Theatrics event takes place Sept. 7 in downtown Bay City. Shown here is a image from the 2009 event.

BAY CITY, MI — Mingling is a big part of the State Theatre's event called Taste & Theatrics, marking it's 11th year.

Tom Tabor and his wife Julie haven't missed one yet.

“We love the mingling,” said Tabor, co-owner of Herman Hiss & Co. “It's fun to be on the street. It's just a really fun and festive atmosphere.”

This year's Taste & Theatrics: Stuck in the 80s kicks off at 5 p.m. Sept. 7.

As in year's past, white tents will be set up on Washington Avenue between Fourth and Fifth streets. Under those white tents, those attending will find the finest food 10 area restaurants have to offer.

Restaurants setting up for the event include Blooming Chefs from the Bay Arenac Career Center, Krzysiak's, Old City Hall, G's Pizzeria, Gatsbys, Harveys, Old City Hall and American Kitchen.

All entrees are hand held and easy to eat, like the Pork Bahnmi (pronounced Ban Me) from Old City Hall.

Danielle McGrew | MLive.com
The 11th annual Taste and Theatrics fundraiser for the State Theatre will feature foods from 10 local restaurants, including Old City Hall, served along Washington Avenue between Fourth and Fifth Streets. The event begins at 5 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 7.

“It's a Vietnamese dish served on a baguette,” said Mike Sheskey, executive chef at the eatery. “People do it different ways, but my version is roasted pork loin, spicy slaw, bell pepper, cabbage, green onions, mayo and fresh cilantro.”

On a scale of one to 10, Sheskey rates it a three on the hot parade.

While these guys dish up the entree, Sweet Boutique, St. Laurent Brothers and the Gourmet Cupcake Shop will be on hand with all types of desserts.

There is also a cash bar.

While eating is an important part of the event, Mike Bacigalupo, executive director of the theater, has a few other fun and games up his sleeve.

“You can buy tickets to a money machine,” he said. “Two people will get to go in the machine. The first place person will go in, and when they are done the second place can try to get whatever is left.”

A prize wheel offers contestants the chance to win everything from free popcorn to a $100 worth of tickets to the State. There are also balloons filled with prizes to pop.

Tickets for each game are $5 each.

Juice Newton

Come 7:30 p.m., it will be time to wander into the theater and grab seats for a concert by Exile land Juice Newton. Bacigalupo couldn't be happier he got these two acts to complete the evening.

“When their agent told me they were touring together, it was pretty easy to get them,” he said. “Last year we had Peter Tork, which is an iconic name. We thought we would try this one this year.”

Since you can't have a fundraiser without a goal, Bacigalupo says this year the goal is $15,000, up from last year's $12,500.

This is the theater's biggest fundraiser of the year with money going into the general fund to keep this historic theater up and running.

Something Tabor is behind.

“We like like to go to the theater,” said Tabor. “We like to go when people like Pat Yandall are here. They've had some great people here and we don't want to miss out.”

Adds Tabor, he and Julie won't be missing the October performance of Lisa Marie Presley.

Although Taste & Theatrics cuts into business at Old City Hall, Tony Jeske, general manager, is happy to support the event.

“We've been part of since the beginning,” he said. “It has grown over the years to a real professional theater venue.”

Besides, says Jeske, he expects his restaurant to fill up once Exile and Juice Newton end their performance, and after other performances as well.

“You know what they say - dinner and a show,” he said.

Eat, drink and rock on

What: Taste & Theatrics: Stuck in the 80s

When: 5 p.m. Sept. 7

Where: State Theatre, 913 Washington Ave.

Tickets: $25, or package deals of $40 or $50, which includes a concert by Exile and Juice Newton